The Kaduna State Government has refuted reports that the Kangimi Dam is at risk of imminent collapse, saying the structure remains intact and functional.
Kangimi Dam is located in Iga I Local Government Area.
The report went viral on several social media platforms and caused concerns among residents due to likely consequences Dam collapse.
But the government dismissed the report, calling it baseless did not reflect the dam’s current condition..
Reacting to the development, a statement on Thursday, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, the government said there was no evidence of active structural failure at the facility.
The clarification came amid heightened concerns over flooding following a recent advisory by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Kaduna among states at risk of flooding.
The government, however, cautioned residents against linking the flood warning to claims that the Kangimi Dam was about to collapse.
It explained that the photographs currently circulating online date back to concerns identified around 2015/2016, when the dam experienced structural pressure associated with ageing infrastructure and heavy rainfall.
According to the government, emergency remedial works were subsequently carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure to stabilise the structure and address the identified concerns.
“Describing Kangimi Dam as being on the verge of collapse based on 2015/2016 data is misleading and not reflective of present conditions,” the statement said, adding that the dam had remained under routine monitoring and continued to perform its functions, although maintenance activities had been limited over the years.
“There is no evidence of active structural failure. The dam is currently intact and performing its function,” the government said.
Despite the assurance, the state acknowledged the need to improve safety and monitoring systems at the facility, particularly amid increasing concerns over extreme rainfall and flooding.
It disclosed that modern safety equipment, including automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems, was being procured to enable 24-hour monitoring of the dam.
The government also announced that a joint technical inspection involving the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government is scheduled for August 2026.
The inspection, it said, would provide an updated assessment of the dam’s condition and determine further rehabilitation needs.
It added that the budgetary process for the full rehabilitation of the facility and installation of additional safety equipment was ongoing.
The government nevertheless urged communities downstream of the dam to remain vigilant and promptly report any unusual observations to the relevant authorities.
It said community sensitisation was also being carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA).
The state further appealed to media organisations, advocacy groups and members of the public to verify information with relevant authorities before publishing reports capable of causing panic.
“We appreciate public concern, especially following the recent NiMET flood advisory for 10 states including Kaduna. However, it is important to provide accurate information to avoid unnecessary panic,” the statement said.
The government said it remained committed to preventing possible disasters while ensuring that residents received accurate information about the condition of critical infrastructure.
“Prevention is better than cure, but the truth must lead the way,” it added.
